I am so excited to share about our morning! I have a friend from high school with whom I've reconnected on facebook named Mark. He has recently (within the last year) started a photography business, and I just absolutely ♥ his work. Through facebook chatting, we discussed the possibility of getting together and having some outdoor winter family shots done. Not only did he agree to this impromptu photo shoot, but he also made the drive from Palatine all the way to River Forest to make things easier on us after our long trip here. Can I say saint?
We met up at the Harold Tyrell Trailside Museum in River Forest, adjacent to a forest preserve. What a neat little nature center! They had some outdoor wild animal displays, hiking trails, a pond, a small indoor museum with some hands on exhibits, and they even host children's story circles- all FREE!
Anyway, I will be sharing some of my favorite shots in a post all its own, but they turned out fantastic. Like, seriously exactly what I was looking for- extremely candid pictures of our little family being our crazy selves- our personalities definitely shine through in these photos, and that is why I love them so. Mark was fantastic with the girls and made everyone feel super comfortable. If you've been a reader for a while, I know you know how stressful photo shoots can be for me. Not this one. Not one bit. So, for all my Chicago area peeps- a huge shout out to Mark Fletcher Photography- highly recommended!
Just after our photo shoot, we met up with the fam at Aunt Kathy's house, and she, Kelli, Kaitlin, Tyler, the girls, and I headed to the train station to catch the green line. The girls were so, so excited to ride the train again. And, of course the camera came out at the train station.
Here's us goofy girls huddling under the heated waiting cove. Being silly.
We rode from Oak Park to State/Lake and hopped off to transfer to the red line. But, not before taking in all that State/Lake had to offer...
...That's right- what trip to Chicago during holiday season would be complete without a visit to
We were determined to reach the pinnacle Great Tree viewing area. The good thing was Seven on State has a ton of elevators. The bad thing was that 98.2% of them seemed to be malfunctioning. Let's just say it took us a while... but we made it!
Then, it was time for lunch! We visited the Seven on State upscale food court, and Tyler and I made our selection immediately... Frontera Fresco by Rick Bayless. The wait was long, the line was huge, but it was SO worth it. Tyler, Tink, and I shared Chipotle Shrimp fresco tacos, Tres Quesos Huaraches, Roasted Corn and Poblano chowder, and chips and guacamole. It was delicious! Sassy at a granny smith apple. Yeah.
After lunch, we took in a bit more of Macy's...
...checked out the Narcissus Room...
...took some great elevator pictures, including this hi-larious one of Kaitlin and Sassy entering the elevator we were holding for them...
...and, we were out. Hopped on the red line (missed our transfer... that's what happens when you go to Macy's Seven on State... you lose hours) and got off at Chicago so that we could head to Michigan and that Magnificent Mile!
First, we stopped at Mickey D's for a coffee/diet coke break. Kaitlin and Sassy went inside, and the rest of us hung back. There were a group of Chicago police officers, uh, casually gathering near us. Kelli and Aunt Kathy dared me to go up to them and take a picture, so I did. I got the dirtiest.looks.EVER by said law enforcement, but it was fun! Here they are, hard at work:
We took in some historical sights on our way to the secret reason we went downtown...
...enjoyed the skyscrapers...
...were amidst the hustle and bustle of city life...
...and arrived at our secret destination...
American Girl Place! Aunt Kathy wanted to take Sassy to choose her Christmas gifts- some new clothes for Elizabeth. Sassy thought it was so cool to pose next to her doll!
Tink found a few things she liked, too...
The store was very busy and really proved to be a bit overwhelming for Sassy after a short while. She did manage to choose some things, and Tyler and I bought her Elizabeth doll an AGP exclusive outfit, as well, while Tink chose the little husky puppy, Pepper.
By the time we left American Girl Place, it was getting pretty late. Tink had skipped her nap, and both girls were growing very tired. Ty, the girls, and I waited right outside the old Chicago Water tower as the other three went into the Hershey's store (not exactly the place you want to visit with your 4-year-old who can't have chocolate) and Tink was out cold.
We boarded the trains again to head back to oak Park, and enjoyed people watching during transit.
But, not before one famous Heather self-portrait!
Got home, ordered some delicious Chicago pizza, and relaxed the rest of the evening. 'Twas a great day in Chicago!
2 sweet tweets:
What a fun and jam-packed day! There is just nothing like being in a big city, is there- especially around Xmas. That Christmas tree was breathtaking, wow! The girls looked adorable and very excited to be in "their" store!
That sounds like such a great day! All the pics are adorable! And I could go for some Chicago pizza right now!
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